Ford’s New Focus ST to star in The Sweeney movie

A Ford Focus? In The Sweeney? Nah, leave it aht! Really? Too right Tinkerbell. I could go on, after all, the rhyming slang from the original 1970s TV series is legendary.

But if dialogue such as “Shut it!” and “Get your trousers on, you’re nicked” are uniquely memorable phrases from the television series, then so too were the car chases usually featuring a ‘Copper Brown’ Mk1 Ford Consul GT with the villians in a MKII Jaguar.

And whilst the odd Jag, Triumph and Rover made an appearance, the Sweeney is best known for its Fords – Cortina, Granada, Consul and even a Zodiac in the early series.

Right about now, anyone younger than 30 is probably wondering what on earth I’m banging on about, so to bring you up to speed, here’s a clip from Episode 2, Series 1.

The car chase scene form the episode, “Faces” and yet again the villains are on the run in a Mk II Jag with Regan giving chase in a Ford Granada.

Nick Love’s new movie, The Sweeney, which is the third film made of the series, sees the return of Flying Squad detectives Jack Regan (Ray Winstone) and George Carter (Ben Drew aka Plan B), who lead a cast of crime-busting officers as they chase down London’s criminals in black Ford Focus ST hatchbacks.

Ray Winstone and Ben Drew aka Plan B

The new Focus ST, which goes on sale in 40 countries from next year, is powered by a 246 bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, which will be the perfect set of wheels for our crime-busting duo.

Special early-build Ford Focus ST models were secretly delivered to The Sweeney set last month, joining Ford Mondeos, Galaxys and Transits which are used as unmarked vehicles in the film.

Anthony Ireson, Ford Britain marketing director, said: “The new Focus ST is a hugely exciting car for Ford with terrific dynamic credibility. It will be a car for real driving enthusiasts, so Regan and Carter won’t be disappointed.”

Director and co-writer Nick Love, whose prior films include The Football Factory and The Firm, said: “It was important for me to collaborate with Ford on The Sweeney as their legacy with the original TV show is so strong – they’re the perfect partner. I like the Ford Focus ST so much, I want one!”

Production company Vertigo has the use of six Ford Focus ST models during filming, which is continuing until Christmas.

Set in modern day England, The Sweeney movie also features Hayley Atwell (from Captain America), Damien Lewis (The Escapist), Steven Mackintosh (Underworld: The Rise of the Lycans) and Paul Anderson (The Firm).

The film will premiere in September 2012, shortly after the Focus ST goes on sale in the UK during the summer.